The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1887-04-22

men and young men of the neighbor-
hood. each extending to him kindly
greeting.
Warren was sort of fayorite in
the neighborhood. and all were glad to
see him back. Mrs. Arnold. and even
her daughter, Miss Halle, sprightly
little creature with a somewhat florid
complexion and hair. and face con-
siderably freckled. came to him and
insisted SO earnestly that he should go
home with them for dinner that he
could not refuse. There was to be
preaching at night and he could go
home with his parents then, SO after
the sermon was over he got into Mr..
Arnold's carriage and sat down by the
side of Miss Halle. whom he had known
since childhood. Miss Halle did her
best in her shallow way to entertain
him, but conversation on bearx and
dress has but little attraction for a
young man whose clothes still have the
college smell upon them.
The sermon at night was far more
impressive to our hero than the one in
the morning. Mr.. Biase old Blaze.
blue Blaze and many other blazes, as
he was called) took his text from
Matthew the XIV. and fortieth verse ::
And the King shall answer and say
unto them: Verify 1 say unto you:
Inasmuch as We have done it unto the
least of these. My brethren, We have
done it unto Me-"
His theme was charity, and every
word seemed like an arrow sent home
to Warren's heart. When he alluded
to "the least of these" the youth
thought of poor little Amos. crippled
and helpless. and there seemed TO raise
above the minister mist. which took
the shape of an angel, the face of
which was Helen's. He alluded to the
sacrifice made by some noble women of
the earth whose names were now known
not to fame, but inscribed in Heaven,
and whose crown would be brightest
there. The sermon from beginning to
end seemed inspired by the acts of he
roic self-sacrifice of that girl. Mr..
Blaze did not know there was such
a person in existence, yet, to use one of
Peddler Pete's characteristic express
sions. his cloth was cut for any meas
ure
Why had he not before noticed that
this real heroine was wasting her life
for her little brother. was the thought
that came to Warren's mind; Il will
see my father and mother about it"
When preaching was over Mr.. Blaze
and his wife consented to go home with
Mr.. Stuart, and Peddler Pete being
there. the wagon was full without War
rem.
Never mind me, father" he said.
Its only nice walk and the moon
shines brightly" The truth is. our
young doctor preferred to walk alone,
that he might the better digest the dis
course he had heard.
Pete insisted on walking in his stead.
but he would not hear to it, and the
wagon rolled on with its human freight.
leaving Warren a-foot and alone. He
started briskly down the wooded road,
but had gone only short distance
when he almost ran against some one
who was tripping lightly along before
him.
Excuse me-" he said. There was a
timid acceptance of the apology. and
the slight form drew back in the dark
part of the road for him to pass.
1T is so dark here" said Warren
Very dark. Mr.. Stuart" responded
a voice, sweetly.
Il beg pardon. but is not this
Helen ?''
1T is, sir" was the timid response.
"yere you at church 80
Eyes sir
end are now on your way home
alone ?"
Yes sir, but don't mind it. 1 am
not afraid and the walk is pleasant.
But YOU shall not go alone, Helen;
I will be your escort
'Oh. if YOU please, sir. I am not
the girl said. timidly. 1.-The
moon shines brightly, and 1 do not
want to trouble YOU"
Nonsense. Helen. it's no trouble to
me-" he said. laughing. and he took her
arm as if she were some great lady.
They walked on and began to talk
about the sermon. Warren could not
but contrast the depth of Helen's con-
with the shallowness of Halle
Arnold. As the timidity left her she
began to converse with q knowledge
in hired girl. Where had
she learned so much? was the question
our hero asked himself As they came
out into a more open part of the road
he moon fell upon her upturned face
Oh. how lovely it looked. The large
blue eyes were dark and brilliant. The
lnconfined hair was ringlets Of gold,
md the form. neatly, but not grandly,
lttired. was beautiful.
They were just in the midst of an an
mated conversation upon the sermon
when the moons rays revealed the real |
oveliness of Helen Lakeman. Warren
Arnold never has forgotten. and We are
assured he never will forget, that MOON
light walk. He may have had other |
lsppy moments in his life, but this,
he first dawning Of . pure love. was
he happiest moment of his existence.
He asked Helen why she did not 60 |
o church in the forenoon, and she |
answered that having to get dinner she |
lid not have time. She only got an |
to steal AWAY and hear the |